Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Raleigh-Durham, NC Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment

If you constantly wake up feeling mentally or physically tired in the morning after getting a full 7-9 hours of sleep, obstructive sleep apnea may be to blame. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that more than 18 million American adults suffer from sleep apnea, a sleep disorder often accompanied by excessive snoring.

Learn more about this disorder, what a good night’s sleep should look like, and what to expect from sleep apnea treatment in Raleigh, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and beyond at Lane & Associates Family Dentistry below.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when an individual’s airway collapses during sleep — this blocks the flow of air to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. As breathing becomes more and more difficult, the airway closes even tighter. Eventually, the brain will “wake up” the individual into a lighter sleep, allowing the individual to reposition their jaw and tongue to open the airway. This cycle can continue for the entire night’s sleep.

Who Does Sleep Apnea Affect?

Obstructive sleep apnea most often affects older adult men, but other factors like being overweight or having a history of sleep apnea also increases your risk for this sleep disorder.

Children can also be affected by sleep apnea, a condition most often caused by large tonsils. The side effects of sleep apnea in children can be serious — in children, it has often been linked to Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), mood disorders, bedwetting, learning problems and growth problems.

Stages of Sleep

To enjoy a restful night of sleep, please refer to the information below. If you know you’re not getting the sleep you need, an evaluation for sleep apnea may be the best next step.

Stage 1: Transition Sleep

This stage should account for approximately 5% of total sleep time.

Stage 2: Light Sleep

This stage should account for approximately 45% of total sleep time.

Stage 3: Deep Sleep

This stage of sleep allows the body to heal itself and perform a variety of reparative functions, and should account for approximately 25% (or more) of total sleep time. People who lack deep sleep time tend to be physically tired.

REM Sleep: Rapid Eye Movement Sleep

This stage of sleep lends itself to the most memorable dreaming periods, and should also account for approximately 25% (or more) of total sleep time. People who lack REM sleep time tend to be mentally tired and may have difficulty concentrating.

Learn About Our C-PAP Alternative

Although C-PAP is one of the more popular treatments for obstructive sleep apnea and excessive snoring, not all patients are able to use or feel comfortable using a C-PAP machine.

For this reason, Lane & Associates Family Dentistry is proud to offer oral appliance therapy as an alternative to C-PAP in Raleigh-Durham and surrounding areas. We will also gladly refer you to a sleep apnea specialist in your area if we deem further consultation or treatment necessary.

Testimonials

My whole family goes here and everyone has been very pleasant, especially the hygienists and the front desk. We also go to the orthodontist, Dr. Kryn. He too has been great. My 3 kids cleanings... read more